Pool chlorine, sea salt, sand, sweat and sunscreen can build up in bikini fabrics and gradually wear them down. That’s why taking proper care of your bikini after every wear is essential to keep its colour, shape and elasticity looking good for longer.
Knowing how to wash bikinis so they don’t get ruined doesn’t require a complicated process. In most cases, it’s enough to rinse them as soon as possible, use gentle products and avoid heat, friction and overly harsh washes.
Below, we explain how to wash and dry your bikinis correctly and which mistakes you should avoid.
Why is it important to wash bikinis properly?
Bikinis and swimsuits are made from elastic fabrics designed to fit the body and hold their shape both in and out of the water. However, these fibres can deteriorate when continuously exposed to certain elements.
Among the factors that most affect swimwear are:
- Pool chlorine.
- Sea water salt.
- Sand.
- Sweat.
- Sunscreen and body oils.
- High temperatures.
- Friction with rough surfaces.
- Harsh detergents.
- Intense spin cycles.
Proper care helps prevent the bikini from losing its elasticity, the colours from fading, or the fabric from becoming thinner and more delicate.
In Promise’s swimwear collection you’ll find a range of pieces to enjoy the summer in. Following the washing instructions correctly will help keep them in good condition for longer.
How to wash bikinis so they don’t get ruined, step by step
Although you should always check the care label, hand washing tends to be one of the gentlest options for looking after this type of garment.
1. Rinse the bikini after every wear
Don’t wait until you get home several days later to wash the garment. Whenever possible, rinse it with cold or lukewarm water right after leaving the sea or pool.
This first rinse helps remove:
- Chlorine residue.
- Salt.
- Sand.
- Sweat.
- Sunscreen.
- Body oils.
Even if the bikini looks clean, these substances can remain in the fibres and gradually damage them.
When you can’t wash it straight away, at least give it a rinse with clean water and avoid leaving it wet for many hours inside a closed bag.
2. Use cold or lukewarm water
High temperatures can affect the elastic fibres of the bikini. For this reason, it’s best to wash it in cold or slightly lukewarm water.
Very hot water can cause the fabric to lose its firmness, become misshapen or age prematurely. It can also affect the intensity of the colours and the condition of decorative details.
3. Add a small amount of mild soap
Use a neutral soap or a detergent suited to delicate garments. You don’t need much: just dilute a little product in the water.
Avoid harsh detergents, bleach and other products that could weaken the fibres or alter the colour.
Put the bikini in the water and move it around gently. There’s no need to scrub it hard or leave it soaking for too long.
4. Clean any areas with cream residue
Sunscreen and body oils can leave stains, especially on light-coloured fabrics.
If you notice any residue, apply a small amount of mild soap to the area and gently massage it with your fingers. Avoid using brushes or rubbing one part of the fabric against another, as this could damage the fibres.
It’s also a good idea to let sunscreen fully absorb before putting your bikini on. This reduces direct transfer of the product onto the garment.
5. Rinse until all the soap is gone
Once clean, rinse the bikini in plenty of cold water until no soap residue remains.
Leftover detergent can also affect the fabric and leave it feeling rough. That’s why it’s important to make sure the garment is completely rinsed.
6. Remove excess water without wringing
Don’t wring out the bikini to drain it. This can stretch the fibres, misshape the cups or damage the seams.
Gently press the garment between your hands to remove excess water. You can also lay it on a clean towel, roll it up carefully and apply light pressure.
Can bikinis be washed in the washing machine?
Hand washing tends to be the gentlest option, but some bikinis can be machine washed if the label allows it.
In that case:
- Use a short programme for delicate garments.
- Choose cold water.
- Put the bikini in a laundry bag.
- Use a small amount of mild detergent.
- Reduce or skip the spin cycle.
- Don’t mix the garment with heavy items.
- Avoid washing it alongside zips, velcro or metal elements.
Cups, underwires, fastenings and decorative details can be damaged by the drum’s movement. That’s why the washing machine should only be used when the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.
In Promise’s bikinis you’ll find a variety of designs, fabrics and structures. Before washing them, always check the specific label for each style.
How to dry a bikini properly
Drying is just as important as washing. Excessive heat or improper positioning can misshape the garment even after it’s been carefully washed.
Let it air dry
Lay the bikini flat or hang it without stretching the fabric. It’s best to leave it to dry in a well-ventilated spot, protected from direct sunlight.
Even though the bikini is designed to be worn in the sun, leaving it damp for hours under intense sunlight can damage the colours and fibres.
Avoid hanging it by the straps
A wet bikini weighs more. If you hang it by the straps, they can stretch out or lose their shape.
It’s better to lay the garment out flat or support it in the centre, making sure not to crease or misshape the cups.
Don’t use the tumble dryer
The heat from a tumble dryer can affect elasticity and cause the fabric to lose its ability to bounce back into shape.
It can also misshape padding, moulded cups, fastenings and decorative details. That’s why air drying is the safest option for preserving the garment.
How to wash a padded or cup bikini
Bikinis with padding or pre-shaped cups need special care to avoid losing their shape.
While washing:
- Don’t fold the cups onto themselves.
- Don’t tuck one cup inside the other.
- Avoid pressing them firmly.
- Don’t wring the garment.
- Lay it out flat to dry.
If the padding is removable, check the care label. For some styles, it may be best to take it out before washing and put it back once both parts are completely dry.
How to wash a swimsuit
The tips for washing a bikini also apply to swimsuits. After every wear, it’s a good idea to rinse them with clean water to remove chlorine, salt, sand and cream residue.
Since a swimsuit covers a larger surface area, pay special attention to the areas that stay damp for longer. Lay the garment out flat when drying it and avoid leaving it scrunched up inside a bag.
You can browse Promise’s swimsuit collection and choose the design that best suits your style and support needs.
Mistakes that can ruin a bikini
Some seemingly harmless habits can significantly shorten the life of a swimwear garment.
Leaving it wet inside a bag
Storing a damp bikini for many hours can encourage bad odours and damage the fabric.
When you need to carry it after swimming, use a separate bag and take it out as soon as possible to rinse it and let it dry.
Using fabric softener
Fabric softener can leave residue on the fibres and affect the fabric’s elasticity. In general, there’s no need to use it when washing bikinis and swimsuits.
Wringing the garment
Wringing out a bikini puts unnecessary strain on the fabric, the seams and the straps.
Remove the water with gentle pressure instead and let it finish drying in the air.
Drying it in direct sunlight
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause the colours to fade and the fibres to deteriorate faster.
Look for a shaded, well-ventilated spot, especially while the fabric is still wet.
Sitting on rough surfaces
Pool edges, rocks or certain sun loungers can cause friction and small abrasions on the fabric.
Use a towel before sitting down to protect the back of your bikini or swimsuit.
Putting it away before it’s completely dry
The garment must be completely dry before you put it in a wardrobe or drawer. Leftover moisture can create odours and affect how well the fabric holds up.
How to store your bikinis at the end of summer
Before putting your swimwear away for several months, wash it carefully and make sure it’s completely dry.
Fold your bikinis without flattening the cups and avoid placing heavy items on top of them. You can group the tops and bottoms of each set together so you can find them easily next season.
Store them in a breathable drawer or box, protected from moisture and direct light. Avoid sealed plastic bags for long periods.
This is also a good time to check the condition of each garment. See whether the elastics still have their firmness, whether the seams are in good shape and whether the cups have kept their original form.
Look after your swimwear for longer
Learning how to wash bikinis so they don’t get ruined helps you better preserve their shape, colour and elasticity.
Rinse them after every wear, wash them in cold water with mild soap, avoid wringing them out and let them air dry somewhere shielded from direct sun. These small habits can make a big difference from one season to the next.
Choose your favourite pieces from Promise’s swimwear collection and always follow the care label instructions to keep them in the best possible condition.
Frequently asked questions about washing bikinis
Do I need to wash my bikini after every wear?
Yes. Even if it looks clean, it’s a good idea to rinse it to remove any traces of chlorine, salt, sand, sweat or sunscreen.
Can I put my bikini in the tumble dryer?
It’s not advisable. Heat can damage the elastic fibres and shorten the garment’s lifespan.
Which detergent is best for washing a bikini?
Ideally, use a neutral soap or mild detergents that are gentle on delicate fabrics.
Why do bikinis lose their elasticity?
Continuous exposure to chlorine, salt, heat and improper washing can progressively damage the elastic fibres.